Society of Antiquaries of Scotland

The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland was founded in 1780 and it was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1783. It is the second oldest antiquarian society in Britain.

The purpose of the Society is set out in the first of its Laws:
"....the Study of the Antiquities and History of Scotland, more especially by means of archaeological research"; the Society today is concerned with every aspect of the human past in Scotland.

The Society is an active body. Members have, from the beginning, been known as Fellows of the Society, and there are now some 3500 Fellows around the world, as well as 25 Honorary Fellows elected for their outstanding scholarship. Membership is by election, held annually on St Andrews Day, 30th November; it is open to all with an interest in the history and archaeology of Scotland.

Research Grants

Grants are available towards the costs of all aspects of archaeological and historical research relating to Scotland.

The closing date for all applications, including referee's reports, is 30th November. The Research Committee then meets in February, and applicants will be notified of the result of their application in March, after ratification by Council.

Applicants will be notified in March of the decision of the Society in respect of their application.

The Gunning Jubilee Gift

The Gift was instituted by Dr Gunning in 1887, and it is awarded in line with the resources available for the fund in any one year "to help experts to visit museums, collections, or materials of archaeological science, at home or abroad for the purposes of [Scottish-related] special investigation and research" topics.

The Gift is open to non-Fellows.

There are no application forms, but applicants should forward, hard copy only: Details of the proposed study; Estimated costs; A curriculum vitae; The name of a referee to whom reference may be made if required.

This must reach the Director of the Society by 30th November of the calendar year for which the Gift is required. Late applications cannot be considered. Applicants will be notified in March of the decision of the Society in respect of their application. See 'Research Grants' (above) for address and contact details.

Buchan Lectures

The Society is able to offer grants to local archaeological, antiquarian, or similar societies to help fund a lecture, symposium or conference. Awards are recommended by the Programme Committee with the approval of Council.

A Lecture supported by this fund is known as a Buchan Lecture. The purpose is to fund lectures in those parts of Scotland which are not at present served by the Society's meetings. The Society hopes that the supporting local society will work with other interested groups, e.g. neighbouring societies, local civic trusts, etc. to organise the meeting.

The Society is able to offer a fee of Â£75.00 for the lecturer (paid directly by the Society); the Lecturerâ€™s travelling expenses, and relevant accommodation costs (paid by the organisers and claimed back from the Society). In some cases a small amount of further help may be possible for moderate hospitality, hire of the hall, etc.

The maximum sum awarded for a Buchan Lecture, including the Lecture Fee, will not exceed Â£300.

Approval must be obtained from the Society before speakers are approached.

There are no application forms for the Regional Fund, but applicants should send details, hard copy only, of the proposed meeting, speaker and estimated costs, to the Director to arrive by 30th November of the calendar year preceding that for which the funds are required. See 'Research Grants' (above) for address and contact details.

Applicants will be notified in March of the decision of the Society in respect of their application.